Erasmus+ Jean Monnet Impact on EUCID (EUCD 101)
Dhofar University proudly became the first university in Oman to be awarded an Erasmus+ Jean Monnet grant to receive this competitive funding. DU’s project (Project ID: 101175352) was the only Jean Monnet Module selected in the 2024–2027 call in the Middle East. This recognition highlights DU’s growing reputation as a leader in international cooperation, cultural dialogue, and academic innovation.
The Erasmus+ Jean Monnet program is a prestigious European Union initiative that promotes excellence in teaching and research. Jean Monnet Modules are designed to deepen global understanding of the EU. They equip learners with the analytical, cultural, and communication skills needed to navigate a rapidly globalizing world.
EUCID: A Unique Module for Intercultural Competence
The awarded project is called EUCID (EU’s Cultural Policy: Intercultural Competence & Dialogue). EUCID explores how intercultural competence can be cultivated through the framework of EU cultural policies, encouraging students to examine the sensitivities, challenges, and opportunities that emerge when diverse cultures interact. The module focuses particularly on the intercultural dynamics between the European Union and Oman, offering students insights into the ways cultural dialogue can strengthen mutual understanding and cooperation.
International Collaboration with Belgium and the Czech Republic
The EUCID module is delivered in partnership with UCLL University of Applied Sciences in Belgium and CZU Czech University of Life Sciences in the Czech Republic. These partnerships enrich the module by bringing EU academic expertise into the Omani classroom and ensuring that students at Dhofar University are engaged in a genuinely international learning experience. Over the course of three years (2024–2027), teaching and assessment responsibilities will be shared among faculty members from Oman, Belgium, and the Czech Republic, giving students a multi-perspectival approach to cultural policy and dialogue.
Learning Through Interaction and Real Experience
What sets EUCID apart is its emphasis on experiential learning. Through case studies, interactive sessions, and real examples of cultural interactions, students develop the tools to communicate effectively across cultures and to appreciate the complexities of identity, language, and global citizenship. In today’s interconnected world, such competencies are not just beneficial; they are essential.
Intercultural Exchange Beyond the Classroom
A core component of the module is the opportunity for students to interact directly with their instructors and peers in the EU. Through virtual exchanges, collaborative international tasks, shared assessments, and joint activities, students at Dhofar University work side-by-side with students in Belgium and the Czech Republic. These interactions give them a real-world platform to practice intercultural communication, teamwork, and problem-solving. Students also design materials to engage wider audiences, participate in guest speaker sessions, and take part in international events that require leadership, creativity, and cross-cultural coordination.
TEDxDhofarUniversity
One of the most impressive achievements of the first cohort enrolled in EUCD 101 was the organization of a curated TEDx event in November 2024 at Dhofar University. Centered on the theme of Youth-Led Movement in Sustainable Initiatives, the event brought together ideas from diverse fields, including languages, business, and engineering, from the first year students to alumni. Students demonstrated outstanding initiative by planning the event, coordinating and promoting it through collaboration. They prepared audience engagement materials, coordinated with speakers, and created a platform where the DU community could explore sustainability from global and interdisciplinary perspectives.
Watch TEDx Introduction Video Instagram TEDxDU
Call to Action
The Erasmus+ Jean Monnet EUCID Module not only elevates the academic experience at Dhofar University but also strengthens its global footprint. As the first institution in Oman to run such a program, DU is setting a precedent for how international collaboration and intercultural learning can transform education. Over the three years of its implementation, EUCID promises to continue shaping students who are culturally aware, globally competent, and prepared to engage meaningfully with an increasingly interconnected world.
If you are a student considering participating in EUCID, take the leap! Embrace the opportunity to explore new cultures, develop essential skills, and create lasting connections with peers from around the world. Your journey awaits!
